O'Meara, Joseph D.

Date of death:: January 31st, 1944
Mentioned on:: American Cemetery and Memorial North Africa
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

On Jan. 31st, B-24s hit the railroad ferry installation in Messina Harbor, Italy. Joe O'Meara was the navigator on one of the planes which were hit by severe antiaircraft. His ship floated for about 10 minutes after landing and supplies and rubber dinghies were dropped. The Germans than strafed the lifeboats, killing the survivors before they could get help to them. He was a member of Toomey's Flying Circus.

"First Lt. Joseph was shot down over Italy last January. Reported missing Jan. 31, 1943. His mother, Mrs. Patrick J. O'Meara received two medals, Air Medal and the Silver Star, announced in August."

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 1st Lieutenant
Unit:: 513th Bombardment Squadron, 376th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: January 8th, 1943

"For gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 513th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in 1942. First Lieutenant O'Meara's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."